spices

Using a shortlist of common spices and herbs, whip together this Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning for unforgettable flavors in any meal. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can’t go wrong with a little spice!

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Definitely an item you’ll always want or need in your pantry, this Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning works with a wide variety of dishes. You can adjust the spice levels to fit with your tastes and preferred spice level. Just mix everything together, add to a jar, and you’re good to go!

Homemade vs. Store Bought

We all have an old pack of store bought taco seasoning at the back of our cupboard. It hasn’t been used (or seen) since last month’s Taco Tuesday, but it’s there if you feel like it. The taste was alright, but really didn’t blow you away.

Forget that!

I’m team Homemade Taco Seasoning all the way! Using spices you likely already have in your house, making your own taco seasoning is so easy and tastes exactly the way you like it. Instead of being forgotten about, you’ll have a hard time NOT adding it to every dish. Plus, when you make it yourself, you know exactly what is going into the mixture. A.K.A. no more preservatives or additives, and naturally gluten-free. 

Another great benefit of homemade seasonings is that they make great gifts. Pack them up in cute jars or bags and give them to all your friends! They’ll think of you during every taco night.

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The Basics of Homemade Taco Seasoning

Most, if not all, taco seasoning is made up of these basic spices that are heavily featured in Mexican or southern recipes. Each brings a special quality, whether it’s smoke, spice, or aromatics. All of these spices can elevate a simple dish, and should remain a staple in your pantry:

• Cumin
• Chili
• Smoked paprika
• Onion and garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Oregano

If you don’t like the seasoning to be too spicy, ease up on the chili powder. If you’re the opposite and LOVE spice, keep this recipe as-is, but add ½ to 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or a pinch of ground cayenne. Add a little at a time and adjust to your taste.

How To Store The Taco Seasoning

Homemade Taco Seasoning should last for months when stored in an air-tight container. I like to keep mine in Weck Tulip jars but a mason jar or tupperware will work just as well. Store each batch in a dark, dry place to keep the spices fresh.

I prefer to double the batch since our family uses it on so many different meals. Another idea is to make separate batches according to spice level. Labeling the jars for mild, medium, and spicy will keep you from making an under or over-spiced meal unexpectedly.

Perfect In A Variety Of Dishes

It may say “Taco Seasoning” in the title, but don’t think you can’t add it to anything else! This works in a wide variety of meat and veggie dishes, like breakfast burritos, chili, salads, chicken fajitas, and much more. Add it to your next great meal:

• Low-Carb Breakfast Bowl [Keto, Whole30]
• Everyday Baked Chicken Breast
• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• One Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Breakfast

If you give this Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe a try or loved it in an unexpected recipe, let me know in the comments below. I love seeing your pictures too, so please tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog and use #lenaskitchenblog so I can share them to my page!